A clear step up in richness, polish and texture. 80% new oak at this point. In these kind of vintages though, it is noteworthy that you have to climb this high to really be assured of getting a bottle that impresses and that lives up to the expectations of the appellation and château. Lovely damson fruits here. Will be ready to drink earlier than the monumental 2016, but you are getting a slick, well defined wine with plenty of great fruit. There is an austerity at this point, in that you feel the tannins closing in towards the finish, but this is the one I would happily recommend.

(93+ points) Coming mostly from a single parcel in the northern part of the estate, the 2017 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is a final blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot. It has a great nose of creme de cassis, crushed rock, lead pencil, and dried herbs. This gives way to a medium to full-bodied, elegant wine that has silky tannins, a great mid-palate, and bright acidity. Give bottles 4-6 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades.

Dried flowers, cocoa, plums, cherry and cassis create a wine that's fruity and fresh, sweet and round and light on its feet. The finish of licorice and ripe, red berries is easy to like and already delicious to drink. From a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.68% alcohol and is aging in 60% new, French oak barrels.

Inviting, featuring crushed loganberry and plum fruit flavors, mixed with warm anise and black tea notes. A solid graphite spine runs through the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2030. — JM